Everton Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of August 5

Everton Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of August 5

0 of 9

August brings an increased level of tension in and around the transfer window, as the new domestic season draws near.

With competitive fixtures just around the corner, clubs become far more determined to keep hold of marquee players and tend to raise their valuations. Selling so late in the window can be hugely detrimental, which makes negotiations a little more tricky at this stage.

On their return from the United States, Evertonwill be hoping to fend off any interest in their most coveted duo, Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, and possibly bring in another player themselves.

Once again, here is your weekly dose of transfer rumours and stories surrounding Everton. Be sure to check back later in the week for any further developments.

For those keeping track of all Toffees-related links over the summer, last week's transfer gossip can be found here.

—LAST UPDATE: Friday, August 9—

Baines and Fellaini Not for Sale

1 of 9

Friday, August 9

The Guardian'sJamie Jackson says Everton will reject any joint offer for Marouane Fellaini or Leighton Baines.

Jackson reports that Manchester United are weighing up a £30 million bid, but Roberto Martinez is intent on keeping both players for his first season at Goodison Park.

There is, however, slight ambiguity at the end of the piece, as Jackson predicts a higher offer of between £35 million to £40 million may test Everton's resolve. He also writes that the Toffees' current stance is potentially an initial bargaining move.

No Bids for Key Duo

2 of 9

Thursday, August 8

Roberto Martinez spoke to Everton's official website, responding to speculation over the futures of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.

There are no bids. When you read that someone is interested in someone, it doesn't mean there is a bid on the table. Marouane has been working really hard. Leighton Baines has been working really hard for the team and that's all that matters.

Headlines in the media happen at this time of the season unfortunately but it won't distract me from the work we have to do. I'm not bothered at all. It is speculation in the media and you'll never stop that.

United Return for Fellaini

3 of 9

Wednesday, August 7

After numerous headlines at the start of the summer, the speculation around Marouane Fellaini died down a little over the past few weeks. However, it's now back, with a bang.

The Mirror's John Cross broke this story last night and several other outlets have since added their take, including the Daily Mail.

The crux of the piece is that, having missed out on Cesc Fabregas, United are now intent on bringing in Fellaini to bolster their midfield.

Moyes does not seem to value his former player as highly as his £23 million release clause (which the Daily Mail claim has now expired, anyway) meaning there could still be some lengthy negotiations to come.

Getting the right price for such a key player is imperative, but the longer Roberto Martinez has to locate a replacement, the better.

Marrone for £7 Million

4 of 9

Wednesday, August 7

talkSPORT report Everton attempted to acquire Luca Marrone on loan last week, but claim Juventus will only consider a permanent deal.

The Bianconeri have supposedly "slapped" a £7 million price-tag on the midfielder, which looks another example of an option to consider in the event of a Fellaini sale.

Baines and Fellaini Out...

5 of 9

Monday, August 5

An article in the Daily Star Sunday is fuelling most of the early Everton rumours this week.

Tony Stenson and Steve Millar report that Manchester United will swoop in for both Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, for a combined fee of £40 million.

The journalists predict an £18 million offer will be enough to snare Baines, while a £22 million bid triggers Fellaini's release clause.

While it's obviously possible, it seems highly unlikely Everton would approve the sale of both key players this late in the window. There would be little time to replace them and it would show an awful lack of support to their new manager as he attempts to follow on from David Moyes.

The prospect of one going still remains in the balance, but it would be a major surprise—and a major setback—if both key players departed.

...Michael Bradley In?

6 of 9

Monday, August 5

The Daily Star Sunday continue their story by claiming Michael Bradley is on Everton's radar.

If Fellaini is to depart, the paper say Bradley would become a primary target to replace the Belgian in the Toffees' midfield.

Alderwiereld Coming In?

7 of 9

Monday, August 5

Those following these Transfer Trackers closely will have noticed how many players linked with the Toffees have remained as such for most of the summer.

James McCarthy, Scott Sinclair, Aiden McGeady and Tom Ince are some examples of these recurrent rumours, as is Toby Alderweireld, who once again finds himself connected with Everton in the Daily Mail.

The paper include quotes from the player's father, saying:

We have heard from various sources that Everton are interested in Toby. Officially, there has not been any contact yet, but any English team of a certain stature would certainly be interesting for Toby.

He has two possibilities at the moment. He could sign a new contract with Ajax, or he could move to a bigger team in a bigger league.

Alderweireld would certainly boost the Toffees' defensive core, but any move probably hinges on John Heitinga being moved on first.

Cardozo Still Not Coming to Everton

8 of 9

Monday, August 5

Oscar Cardozo has been linked with Everton for the past few years.

It's been quite a peculiar trend, given the fact he's always valued at around £15 million, which is a price far beyond the Toffees' means—especially given his age.

Cardozo, who is now 30, once again finds himself associated with Everton, although this time it's merely in a talkSPORT piece highlighting Spartak Moscow's interest.

The article claims Roberto Martinez is a fan of the Paraguayan, although the fact that Spartak are prepared to pay big money apparently rules the Toffees out.

Medel Another Option Post Fellaini

9 of 9

Monday, August 5

talkSPORTalso claim the Toffees are looking at Sevilla's Gary Medel as a possible replacement for Marouane Fellaini.

Given Fellaini's release clause, and the uncertainty it presents Everton, it makes sense for Roberto Martinez to draw up a list of potential options.

If rumours are to be believed, the Chile international's name can be stored alongside the likes of Michael Bradley, James McCarthy and one or two others.